BBC Cuts Shortwave to U.S.

LONDON The British Broadcasting Corporation’s World Service plans to end shortwave transmissions to North America, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands beginning July 1 as more of their listeners access the BBC via FM, the Internet, cable and mobile devices. Mark Byford, director, BBC World Service, states on the BBC’s web page, “In the U.S. three times as many people listen to us on FM as on shortwave and one and a half million users access online each month.” To meet the continuing demand for audio quality improvements, the BBC needs to explore new technologies, he stated. “The money saved by closing shortwave transmission to North America will go towards funding this investment in the future.” The BBC says it remains committed to shortwave and is upgrading transmission relay stations in Oman, Cyprus and Singapore.